The Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark has been providing free medical treatment to people in Tonga for the past week, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I am grateful for the free treatment my children received on the Peace Ark,” said Mele Maka from Tatakamotonga Village. “I brought my 9 year-old son, Fine’eva, and 7 year-old daughter, Silia, to check their ears, eyes and teeth. I’m very pleased to be told that they’re both in good health.”
Mele’s children are amongst many who are benefitting from the Peace Ark’s visit. The ship has a full complement of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. They have been able to provide a wide range of medical services, including surgery, diagnostics, and consultations.
Eighty-eight year old Ramona Moala said she was looking forward to her diagnosis and treatment. Ms Moala is blind in both eyes after an eye operation earlier this year. She is quite hopeful after hearing that the Peace Ark is in Tonga and that it’s doctors will help her recover her eyesight. “I was told at the local hospital that my eye condition is something the Chinese doctors specialise in.”
“The ship’s staff are warm and welcoming and we’ve been treated well,” said 63-year old Sateki Tanginoa of Puke Village. Mr. Tanginoa’s left arm was fractured awhile back and has not healed properly after seeking local treatment, and now he cannot lift it due to pain.
Tonga’s Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku publicised Peace Ark’s arrival and services in speeches, urging those that needs medical attention to visit the ship. Tonga’s Ministry of Health is also co-ordinating cases needing specialist operations to be taken to the ship.
An average of 900 people visit the ship for treatment each day since it arrived. To-date, thirty-five surgery operations have been performed, 11 patients admitted with 2 discharged and over 3,000 auxiliary operations. Ship clinics dealing with ophthalmology, orthopaedics, and Chinese medicine are amongst the most visited.
Six medical teams are dispatched daily to visit schools and community health centres in Tongatapu and ‘Eua, providing educational and health awareness.
Ms. Kolina Paea, 45 of Houmakelikao, who was at the Vaini community health centre yesterday had been referred to the Peace Ark for a liver diagnosis, said she’s impressed with the ship’s service. “They have an efficient referral service; I came in and went straight to the doctor.”
Many more Tongans are getting in line to see the ship’s medical experts such as Emeli Tuifua, 44, of Kahoua who is diagnosed with stomach cancer, and Hamani Taufa, 37, of Hauloto who is seeking treatment for his paralysis.
The Peace Ark departs Tonga this Friday. It is expected to visit Tonga again within the next five years. Its first visit was in 2014, and then in 2018, but could not visit again because of the Covid travel restrictions until now.
Later this year, Tonga and the People’s Republic of China will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
